Holiday season is hectic. To-do lists at home and at work become longer and social calendars become busier. To turn the pressure up just a little bit higher, this is not one of those occasions when you can hunker down and power through all that needs to be done because the holidays involve showing face.

That’s right, nestled between working late to tie up loose ends before the New Year, and taking advantage of your favorite retailer’s extended hours for late gift shopping sessions there are holiday parties. To get through this marathon of a season in one piece I’ve learned to take a few precautions to preserve my skin, sanity, and (most importantly) my holiday cheer—at the end of the day the holidays are supposed to be fun, right?

Sleep. Eat. Hydrate.

Life simply works better when the basics are attended to. Do whatever it takes, schedule in sleep, set phone reminders to finish your water bottle before lunch, and keep apples and almonds in your bag so that you’ve consumed more than that grande skim latte (extra shot of espresso, please!) before 3pm. Skin.

Craft a skin strategy that will keep your skin glowing from today straight through New Year’s Day!

Here’s what I’m using this year to keep my skin bright, hydrated, and ready for holiday party pics or any instagrammable moment that comes my way:

Holiday Party Season Essentials

Botanical Exfoliating Scrub– The energizing mix of botanicals in this scrub makes me feel like I’m being extra kind to my tired skin. Use three times a week to keep winter skin flake-free and smooth.

Enzyme Revitalizing Mask– During the holidays I go for an extra shot of espresso and an extra dose of brightening. I’ve been known to gift this mask to new parents, frequent flyers, and college students during finals. Its ability to unearth a glow from even the most tired, dull skin is unmatched.

Herbal Hydrating Serum– This is my trusty year round skin-saving hero! The thought of not having a fresh bottle of this tiny miracle worker at hand during the season where my schedule fluctuates between chaos and frenzy is unfathomable. It is my favorite thing for helping to ward off cold weather dehydration without causing breakouts.

Eye Makeup Remover Gel (non-oily)– The late nights and early mornings of the holiday season make it very tempting to skip important steps like removing eye makeup. I leave a bottle of eye makeup remover out in plain sight, right next to my toothbrush, to avoid any temptation to crash without removing every trace of mascara first. I’ll thank me in the morning.

What are your tricks for powering through the busiest season of the year?

Originally published as Holiday Skin Saviors from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Here’s what’s on our anti-aging, skin-brightening menu this week:

BREAKFAST

The Green Stripped Smoothie (via Nutrition Stripped)

McKel’s signature “Green Stripped Smoothie” was the first recipe we tried and we’ve been hooked with “Nutrition Stripped” since. (We’re suckers for all things leafy and green – veggies like kale, romaine, and celery are packed with vitamins and nutrients in addition to boasting high water content). What makes this particular smoothie especially great, however, is the blend of other ingredients featured. There’s turmeric (a powerhouse of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds); parsley (another rich source of antioxidant nutrients); cayenne (to fight inflammation – which experts believe to be a cause of breakouts and wrinkling!); and much more.

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LUNCH

Fig Zucchini Pasta with Hemp Seed Crumble (via Nutrition Stripped)

We told you we were on a “Nutrition Stripped” kick. Did you hear? Zoodles (zucchini “noodles”) are the new pasta and a good spiralizer is everyone’s best friend.

Here’s why we love zucchini, bodily health benefits aside: for starters, zucchini’s high water content hydrates the skin from the inside out, helping to flush out toxins while encouraging a more radiant complexion. Plus, it’s chock full of antioxidant Vitamins A and C – anti-aging powerhouses – as well as manganese, an amino acid essential to collagen formation.

Also – keep the end pieces that often get discarded before they go into the spiralizer and save them to help soothe and de-puff eyes, just as you would with cucumber slices.

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DINNER

Hard Boiled Egg and Brussels Sprout Bowl (via Naturally Ella)

If there’s one thing about us here at Mario, it’s that simplicity is king. We like our skincare that way – and our meals too. Why go complicated when you can get everything you need in the all-natural?

This hearty meal is both delicious and easy to throw together – all you need is a little time to cook the grain, really – with just a handful of nutritionally dense, antioxidant-packed ingredients. This bowl contains two of our favorite foods: brussels sprout and eggs. Sprouts are highly underrated; they’re actually pretty potent in folic acid (a B vitamin) and antioxidant Vitamin C. Eggs contain choline and lutein, two nutrients that are essential for healthy cell function. Choline helps the body maintain proper B vitamin levels to produce collagen and elastin, and lutein helps prevent aging and free radical damage.

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Originally published as Healthy Food for Healthy Skin: The Recipe Roundup from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Green Tea is an amazing choice for younger-looking skin.

Antioxidants are substances that inhibit oxidation, thereby preventing and repairing damage to the body’s tissues (the damage that causes aging). Oxidation is the process that makes metal rust and occurs when free radicals start causing trouble.

But what are free radicals?

Free radicals are unstable molecules that start oxidation, the process that causes damage to body tissue and leads to cell dysfunction. They are a major contributor to all visible signs of aging – age spots, fine lines, sagging and wrinkles – on the skin.

… so why are antioxidants important?

Antioxidants help reduce signs of aging and calm inflamed skin while tightening and toning the complexion. Therefore, it is important that they are properly incorporated into your diet and skincare routine to improve the skin’s overall health.

Look for skin care ingredients Vitamins A, C, E as well as Green Tea. These help fortify cells against damaging free radicals while encouraging cell and tissue growth for renewing and repairing the complexion. Vitamins C and E are best known for their ability to protect against sun damage and help boost existing sun block while aiding in improving skin tone, texture, and discoloration. Flavonoids in Green Tea Extracts help improve skin tone and texture and prevent inflammation.

What antioxidants do for YOU:

1. Anti-inflammatory properties help increase circulation and cell metabolism. Alpha Lipoic Acid, found in pine bark and green tea, is especially well-known for its ability to help even skin tone and keep acne and wrinkles at bay.
2. By helping promote cell turnover, antioxidants are ideal for those suffering from hyperpigmentation (age or sun spots) and scarring and those who seek to improve overall skin tone and texture. Products featuring Vitamin C as an active ingredient are highly recommended because they help even out and brighten the complexion for a more youthful, radiant glow.
3. Skin-firming abilities not only help slow visible signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging, but also improve the skin’s overall health.
4. The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles are reduced. Keep in mind that no product can “get rid” of wrinkles, but here’s where antioxidant-rich creams and serums come into play. Ingredients like Vitamins C and E help restore hydration and therefore plump the skin, leaving the complexion lifted, toned, and more youthful-looking.
5. Protecting against sun damage is what antioxidants are most well-known for. They help stimulate blood flow, thereby encouraging cell growth, and also work to boost your sun protection.

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The *NEW* Peptide Renewal Serum contains Green Tea Extract (in addition to a whole bunch of other anti-aging ingredients!) 

Originally published as What Are Antioxidants? from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Aging well is all about the right ingredients.

ALPHA HYDROXY ACIDS (AHAs)

What You Want: Glycolic Acid, Grapefruit Extract, Lactic Acid

What It Is: AHAs are a group of acids naturally derived from fruit or milk sugars. Renowned for their ability to help promote cell turnover, AHAs slough away dulling buildup by “dissolving” dead skin cells that have accumulated over time. Regular use helps reveal a brighter, renewed complexion. Over time, AHAs can help minimize age spots and discoloration, fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and texture.

For Best Results: AHA-based cleansers are fantastic, but try expanding your AHA repertoire by looking into creams, toners and moisturizers starring AHAs as well.

ANTIOXIDANTS

What You Want: Green Tea, Rose Hips Extract, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin C

What It Is: Antioxidants are nutrients and enzymes that can help prevent and repair damage to the body’s tissue. They act as neutralizers of both internal factors (excess oxygen, metabolism, stress) and external forces (pollution, sun damage, extreme temperatures, wind), improving the overall health of skin. They work to slow, prevent and repair damage caused by free radicals.

For Best Results: Try using an antioxidant-packed serum (such as a Vitamin C Serum) every other night alone or under a moisturizer to help restore youthful luminosity in your complexion.

COLLAGEN

What You Want: Collagen, Elastin

What It Is: Collagen is a basic, non-water soluble protein strand made up of amino acids best known for their primary role in maintaining elasticity and hydration of the skin. In fact, it’s the building block of youthful-looking skin.

Over time, however, natural collagen breaks down and production decreases, causing skin to sag and wrinkle as we age. This is where collagen-packed products come into play: by helping the skin retain natural levels of hydration, Collagen actually helps protect against moisture loss. In doing so, it helps restore a youthful plumpness that lifts and brightens for a softer, smoother, and firmer complexion.

For Best Results: Exfoliate regularly and pair Collagen-based creams with anti-aging serums. Incorporating both into your skincare regimen will help increase the efficacy of the product used.

HYALURONIC ACID

What You Want: Hyaluronic Acid

What It Is: Hyaluronic Acid is a greaseless, hydrating ingredient. What makes it an esthetician (and customer) favorite is its ability to hold water at the cellular level of the skin to prevent dehydration and moisture loss. In fact, Hyaluronic Acid has been found to be one of the most effective humectants in skincare known to help visibly plump the skin.

For Best Results: Try including a day cream or daily moisturizer featuring Hyaluronic Acid into your morning regimen. It’s non-greasy and non-irritating and because it helps visibly plump the skin, a Hyaluronic Acid moisturizer is actually ideal for helping improve makeup application by making the process smoother and the final result more flawless.

PEPTIDES

What You Want: Palmitoyl Oligopeptide , Palmitoyl Oligopeptide-7

Made up of amino acid chains (the most basic building blocks of proteins) and connected by peptide bonds, these complex structures are one of the latest and most promising discoveries on the anti-aging frontier. Peptides are scientifically known to harness the unique ability to communicate with cells; in fact, peptides actually encourage Collagen production. In doing so, peptides are able to inspire more toned skin and improve your overall complexion.

For Best Results: Add a peptide serum or peptide cream to your daily regimen. Either work well on their own to help target all the visible signs of aging – fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, uneven skin tone and texture, etc. – for a softer, smoother, more youthful-looking complexion. When paired together, however, the two work synergistically for maximum benefits. Be sure to use peptide products regularly; it takes up to six weeks for results to show.

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Originally published as 5 Anti-Aging Ingredients For Aging Well from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

1. Always cleanse before bed. We’re awake for at least 12 hours – just imagine all of the dirt, oil and buildup that we’ve accumulated throughout the day. Yes, you’re exhausted, but isn’t your skin worth two minutes (at the very least)? Nightly cleansing is key in preventing blemishes and irritation.

2. Tone your skin before bed, too. You’re up, anyhow. What’s an extra minute to you when a beautiful, clear complexion is the only thing to gain (or lose, if you opt to hop straight into bed with nary care in the world). Toner removes any and all residue from the skin, leaving behind only healthy, happy skin.

3. Don’t skip your moisturizer. Doing so would be a skin sin (but I’m sure you all knew that). Nighttime is actually when your evening moisturizer or night cream will work most effectively; during this stage of rest, skin is most permeable. It’s essential you keep your complexion well-hydrated during those eight or so hours of beauty sleep. You’ll wake up with noticeably brighter, plumper skin. (Nightly eye cream is important, too!)

4. Treat your skin. Because your skin is most permeable as you’re dreaming away, there’s no better time to carpe diem and take advantage of the moment. Pick a moisturizer with more potent or concentrated ingredients than your daytime alternative or layer up with your favorite serum. This is your time to brighten, heal, rejuvenate and rehydrate your skin: let your products do the work.

5. Moisturize those lips. The key to a kissable pout is slathering your lips with lip balm and letting the product nourish overnight.

6. Drink more water. Try to skip the wine and spirits before bedtime, and reduce the amount of salty and sugary foods consumed in the late night – those are all culprits behind morning grogginess and puffiness. Instead, drink more water and you’ll wake up feeling all sorts of fresh and gorgeous.

7. Wash your pillowcases often. If you’re noticing congestion or are experiencing consistent breakouts, wash your pillowcases frequently.

8. Sleep with your head slightly elevated. Prop yourself up on two pillows. Not only will sleeping on your back help prevent signs of premature aging, but it’ll also help reduce fluid retention around the eyes.

9. Relax. Pick up a book or magazine instead of the usual late-night surf on the web or on TV. Not only do the glaring lights strain your eyes (often contributing to puffiness and darkness the next day), but they also toy with your inner circadian rhythm.

10. Get those Zzz’s. It isn’t called beauty sleep without reason: getting at least eight hours a night is not only crucial to your well-being, but to your skin’s health as well. Keep in mind that your skin is a direct reflection of how you’re treating your body: overtiring or over-stressing yourself can lead to breakouts, dullness and flare-ups. A good night’s rest means a brighter, healthier and happier complexion the next day.

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Originally published as 10 Evening Skin Care Tips from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

The term ‘premature aging’ refers to accelerated skin aging that occurs before natural aging. Brought on by lifestyle and environmental factors, premature skin aging is often something we learn about after the damage is done.

Some causes of premature aging include, in no particular order:

• Stress
• Smoking
• Unhealthy eating habits
• Dehydration
• Lack of sleep
• Neglecting your neck and hands
• Sun exposure
• Excessive drug and/or alcohol consumption

Whether you’ve started the process or are working toward prevention, there are a number of ways to avoid premature aging. Always remember to follow a diligent anti-aging skin care regimen for your skin type. In addition, exfoliation, moisturizing with an SPF of at least 15 every day (regardless of season), and targeting wrinkles AND hyperpigmentation with appropriate skincare products are other great ways to establish a helpful skincare regimen. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising, eating healthy and drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. Remember to extend your anti-aging practice to include other areas of your body in addition to your face. With these tips you can keep your skin looking its best for years to come.

Originally published as Preventing Premature Aging from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Your skin is a direct reflection of everything you put on and into your body.

Since you are what you eat and we’re all about a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle, these are a few of our favorite (healthy!) foods for healthy skin*:

• Almonds. A handful a day keeps the wrinkles at bay! Almonds are packed with Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps to protect against free radicals while preventing premature aging.

• Avocado. A rich source of Vitamins C and E, lutein and good-for-you fats that provide anti-inflammatory and anti-aging benefits. It’s a go-to for a boost in the glow department.

• Blueberries. More than a few of our MB estheticians don’t start their mornings without a serving (or two!). Blueberries are said to be the greatest food source for antioxidants – they offer anti-aging prevention that’s too good not to try.

• Carrots. Made famous by a certain beloved cartoon bunny and renowned by the generations of mothers telling their children that carrots are good for the eyes. But know this: carrots are great for your complexion. Incorporating carrots into your diet is said to not only help clear breakouts, but also help stimulate collagen synthesis – all thanks to the high Vitamin A and C content in carrots.

• Green Tea. So it’s not a food, per se, but it’s the antioxidant powerhouse of all drinks (second to water). It’s also a diuretic, meaning it can help flush out toxins for a clearer, healthier complexion over time.

• Oranges. Yet another antioxidant-rich food. A high Vitamin C content means a helpful boost in neutralizing free radicals and helping collagen production.

• Salmon. Our diets are often lacking in omega-3 fats (but overcompensating in omega-6 fats). This imbalance leads to inflammation that later blocks pores and triggers overproduction of oil. Because salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, this fish is said to be one of the best foods for helping prevent breakouts.

• Spinach. It’s not called a superfood – or a favorite of Popeye – without reason. Loaded with minerals and antioxidants, this leafy green is high in the Vitamin C needed for collagen and elastin production.

• Walnuts. For a dewy, hydrated glow, walnuts are your go-to because of their high Alpha-Linolenic Acid content. They’re also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids.

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*Consult with your doctor before making any dietary changes. 

(image via)

Originally published as Healthy Food for Healthy Skin from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Everyone loves a dual-purpose product.  Walking through the beauty aisle, it’s impossible to ignore all of the makeup lines that list sun protection factor (SPF) in their foundations. I used to believe that a dusting of only mineral makeup on my face would provide full coverage from the sun.

Regrettably, while these products may contain SPF, it’s hard to know how much protection you’re actually getting, since this varies with how much or how little product you use. Through my false sense of comfort, I was making my skin more vulnerable than I knew.

Ideally, a makeup with sun protection should be used in conjunction with a moisturizer that has an SPF of at least 15. This provides two coats of necessary protection. Additionally, layering an antioxidant serum (like our Vitamin C Serum) under your moisturizer is another great way to help fight against free radicals.

How do you protect your skin from the sun?

Originally published as Does Foundation Protect Your Skin from the Sun? from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

The sun is the culprit in many cases of hyperpigmentation; however, what you probably don’t know is that UV rays aren’t the only cause of brown spots on the skin. Along with accumulative sun exposure, other causes of hyperpigmentation include: heat, pregnancy, birth control pills and menopause (because heat and hormones can cause an increase in melanin production).

To help resist dark spots, maintain healthy skincare practices that incorporate regular exfoliation and the daily use of a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more. It is possible for hyperpigmentation to darken; using sun protection is one way to prevent more pronounced spots. In addition to these preventive measures, apply a topical antioxidant to keep your skin thoroughly protected.

Originally published as The Shocking Truth about Hyperpigmentation from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.

Some people think that by simply looking at someone’s mother or father they can tell how that individual will look when they reach their parent’s age. While genetics do play an important role in determining how someone will age, there are additional influences that factor into figuring out how someone will look as they grow older.

Lifestyle and environmental factors, like exposure to sun, smoke and toxins, also determine how well your complexion will age, regardless of genetics. In addition to avoiding factors that will age your skin, establishing a thorough skin care regimen for your specific skin type and condition will help your skin throughout the years.

Have you ever been told that you look younger than you really are? What are your anti-aging secrets?

Originally published as Are You Destined to Have Your Parents’ Skin? from the Mario Badescu Skin Care Blog.